And for the first time in a long time, I feel like I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.
Kyler parks his Indian at the dam and puts our helmets on the seat. Then he takes my hand and leads me down a narrow path that runs through the bushes. We reach a huge rock at the edge of the water.
“Climb on,” he says, nodding to a smaller boulder next to it. I put my foot on it and climb onto the largest one. Kyler follows me and sits down behind me. His arms wrap around my waist and a warm feeling flows through me. The sound of the water reminds me of the past and nostalgia touches my heart.
“Layne, I know you want to take it slow and that you’re scared.” He pauses, resting his chin on my shoulder. “I understand…”
I swallow. “Just need to get used to it,” I whisper. “So much has happened.”
“I know, but I can’t… This is mine.” His arms tighten around me. “It always has been, Lay.”
I snuggle closer to him, and a smile creeps across my face. “And you’re mine.”
“Exactly.” His cheek brushes mine as he brings his face close to mine. Together we gaze over the river, just like we used to, and it’s right.
Everything feels right.
Epiloog
Three Months Later
Ipressafreshdrawing of Rebel’s against Connor’s gravestone, smoothing it down with a strip of clear tape. “Hey, Con,” I murmur, lowering myself onto the grass in front of it. The earth is still damp beneath me, cool against my jeans. “She’s moving on to the next grade. Somehow.” A soft smile tugs at my lips as I start pulling at the weeds crowding the stone. “She’s stronger than any kid should have to be. After everything… she’s still smiling. Still her.”
My chest tightens, and I let out a shaky breath.
“But that’s not the only reason I’m here,” I admit, looking up at the headstone.
connor hayes
beloved husband and father
Just like Kyler said—simple. Honest. Fitting. Itsoundslike him.
“I need to tell you something.” The first tear slips free before I even finish the sentence. “I’m sorry, Con. I’m so damn sorry I didn’t love you the way you deserved.” I sniff, blinking up at the sky, then back at the stone. “That doesn’t mean I didn’t love you. Idid. Ido. But not in the way I should’ve. Not in the way you needed. And I’m sorry for that.”
I swipe at my nose with the back of my hand, my voice catching. “God, I hope this whole nightmare didn’t happen because of me. I wish I knew why you kept it all from me… why you didn’t tell me what was going on.” My voice falters. “Maybe I could’ve helped. Or at leastbeen there.”
I draw a long breath and shift my gaze to the stone next to his.
“Why, Dad?” My voice trembles. “I get that you loved her… but why’d you have to go out like that? Why leavemebehind?” My hands clench the weeds before ripping them out. “I needed you. Istillneed you.”
The ache rises like a wave, and I bury my face in my hands.
“Hey.”
Paxton’s voice breaks through the fog—low, gentle, unexpected.
I quickly wipe my face, startled. “Shit. Sorry.”
“Don’t.” He sits down beside me, his presence grounding, steady. “You don’t need to hide that.”
We both look up toward the sky, the sunlight slipping through the trees. His expression softens, and then he says, “You were right.”
I blink at him, confused. “About what?”
“You and Kyler.” His jaw flexes as he looks away, brushing his thumb along his bottom lip. A lock of hair falls over his shoulder. “It wasn’t my place to interfere. I should’ve kept my damn mouth shut.”
I nod slowly. “Thanks… I guess.” It’s probably the closest I’ll ever get to an apology from Pax.
